Nature smiles at the union of freedom and equality in our utopias. For freedom and equality are sworn and everlasting enemies, and when one prevails the other dies.
Will DurantRead
When liberty destroys order the hunger for order will destroy liberty.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote highlights the delicate balance between liberty and order in society.
Will Durant's quote emphasizes the idea that while individual freedom is essential, the absence of societal order can lead to chaos, which in turn may provoke a desire for authoritarian control. This creates a paradox where the very liberty people seek can be compromised by the disorder that often accompanies it, suggesting that a balance between freedom and governance is necessary for a stable society.
Themes
LibertyOrderFreedomSocietyBalance
In practice
Example use cases
In a political discussion about governance and individual rights.
More from Will Durant
All quotes βThe greatest question of our time is not communism vs. individualism, not Europe vs. America, not even the East vs. the West; it is whether men can bear to live without God.
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If we have never been amazed by the very fact that we exist, we are squandering the greatest fact of all.
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Philosophy is harmonized knowledge making a harmonious life; it is the self-discipline which lifts us to serenity and freedom. Knowledge is power, but only wisdom is liberty.
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If you wish to be loved, be modest; if you wish to be admired, be proud; if you wish both, combine external modesty with internal pride.
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Civilizations come and go; they conquer the earth and crumble into dust; but faith survives every desolation.
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